What engine does a 2004 RAV4 have?
The 2004 RAV4 generally uses one of two gasoline four-cylinder engines, depending on market and trim: a 2.0-liter inline-four (1AZ-FE) or a 2.4-liter inline-four (2AZ-FE).
For North America, the XA20 RAV4 lineup primarily offered two four-cylinder engines, with the smaller 2.0L serving as the base and the larger 2.4L providing extra power and capability. A V6 option existed in some earlier years and markets, but it was not part of the standard 2004 U.S. specification. Engine choice was also affected by transmission, drivetrain (two-wheel drive vs. four-wheel drive), and trim level.
North America engine options
What you could get in the U.S. and Canada
Below are the main engines commonly found in the 2004 RAV4 for North American buyers.
- 2.0-liter inline-four engine, 1AZ-FE
- 2.4-liter inline-four engine, 2AZ-FE
In North America, these two four-cylinder options defined the 2004 RAV4 lineup, with the 2.0L typically serving as the base engine and the 2.4L offering more power and capability. The V6 option was not a standard part of the 2004 U.S. specification.
Global market variations
Regional differences
Engine options for the 2004 RAV4 varied outside North America. Some markets offered a wider range, including a 3.0-liter V6 in earlier years or specific trims. Always verify the exact engine for a given vehicle, as availability depended on country, trim, and production date.
- 2.0-liter inline-four, 1AZ-FE
- 2.4-liter inline-four, 2AZ-FE
- 3.0-liter V6, 1MZ-FE (select markets/early years; not standard in the typical 2004 NA lineup)
In non-North American markets, the V6 option was more common on certain trims or regions, so the exact engine could vary by country and model year. Always check the vehicle’s documentation to confirm the installed engine.
How to verify the engine in your 2004 RAV4
To confirm the exact engine in your specific 2004 RAV4, look up the engine code stamped on the engine block or on the emission/control label under the hood. The codes map to the engine types: 1AZ-FE for 2.0L, 2AZ-FE for 2.4L, and 1MZ-FE for the 3.0L V6. The VIN and the window sticker or door jamb label will also list the engine type. If purchasing used, request service records and verify the engine code to avoid misidentification.
Summary
The 2004 RAV4’s engine lineup centers on two main four-cylinder options—2.0L 1AZ-FE and 2.4L 2AZ-FE—with regional variations that could include a 3.0L V6 (1MZ-FE) in select markets. To be certain, verify the installed engine via the engine code and vehicle documentation for the exact model you’re considering.
What year of RAV4 to stay away from?
Years to avoid for the Toyota RAV4 include 2001-2003 (transmission and ECM issues), 2006-2008 (excessive oil consumption), 2013-2015 (transmission hesitation and rough shifting), and 2019 (fuel pump failures, engine cooling problems, and engine issues). Additionally, hybrid models from the 5th generation may have issues with high-voltage cable corrosion and battery life, and some models can have paint peeling problems, especially around 2013.
By model year
This video explains the issues with the 2006-2008 model years: 1mCar ComfyYouTube · Jun 11, 2025
- 2001-2003: Potential for transmission and Electronic Control Module (ECM) failures.
- 2006-2008: Excessive oil consumption, particularly with the 2.4L engine, and potential steering lockups.
- 2013: Reports of transmission hesitation, electrical fires, and paint peeling.
- 2014-2015: Transmission hesitation and rough shifting were common issues.
- 2019: Engine problems like oil leaks, cooling issues, and fuel pump failures were reported. Hybrid models also experienced issues with corroded high-voltage wiring.
By type of problem
- Transmission issues: 2001-2003, 2006-2008, 2009-2012, 2013-2015, and 2018 models have been associated with transmission problems.
- Engine/oil consumption: 2006-2008 models are known for excessive oil consumption, and 2019 models reported engine cooling and oil loss problems.
- Electrical issues: 2013 models have been linked to electrical fires, and 2019 models had infotainment glitches (which were often resolved by software updates).
- Hybrid-specific issues: Some 5th generation hybrid models have had issues with high-voltage cable corrosion and battery longevity.
- Other issues:
- Paint peeling: Some owners of the 2013 model reported paint issues.
- Roof rack leaks: 2019-2021 models have been linked to leaky roof racks.
What engine is in a 2004 Toyota RAV4?
Engine
| Base engine size | 2.4 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | Inline 4 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
What type of engine is in a RAV4?
2.5L 4-cylinder Dynamic Force engine
The Toyota RAV4 engine is a 2.5L 4-cylinder Dynamic Force engine. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and you can choose between FWD, AWD, or Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, depending on which trim you select.
Was 2004 a good year for RAV4?
Yes, the 2004 Toyota RAV4 is generally considered a good car, especially for buyers prioritizing reliability, practicality, and a comfortable, car-like driving experience. It benefits from a strong reputation for dependability, a refined and more powerful engine for that model year, and standard safety features that were beneficial for the time. However, potential downsides include a cramped interior compared to competitors, lower fuel economy than some expect, and potentially high repair costs for certain types of collisions.
Pros
- Reliability: The 2004 RAV4 has a solid reputation for reliability, with many owners reporting high mileage and minimal repairs.
- Improved Engine: It was equipped with a more powerful 2.4-liter, 161-horsepower engine, which was a significant improvement over earlier years.
- Handling and Ride: It handles well and has responsive, car-like reflexes, along with a comfortable and smooth ride.
- Safety: It came standard with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, and side airbags, which were important safety advancements.
- Practicality: The interior has thoughtful design elements, and the rear seats can fold down or be removed for ample storage, which is easy to load through the low-height rear door.
- Maneuverability: Its compact size makes it easy to park and maneuver.
Cons
- Interior Space: The interior can feel cramped, especially compared to some competitors, though the front seats are generally comfortable.
- Fuel Economy: Gas mileage is around 20−2420 minus 2420−24 mpg, which is not as high as some other vehicles in its class.
- Repair Costs: There can be high repair costs for specific issues, such as low-speed rear collisions.
- Cabin Noise: Some reviewers noted that cabin noise can be noticeable.
